Tryon Edwards Quotes

Compromise is but the sacrifice of one right or good in the hope of retaining another – too often ending in the loss of both.

Abuse of any one generally shows that he has marked traits of character. The stupid and indifferent are passed by in silence.

The highest attainment, as well as enjoyment of the spiritual life, is to be able at all times and in all things to say, 'Thy will be done.'

The prejudiced and obstinate man does not so much hold opinions, as his opinions hold him.

Thoroughly to teach another is the best way to learn for yourself.

Most controversies would soon be ended, if those engaged in them would first accurately define their terms, and then adhere to their definitions.

Age does not depend upon years, but upon temperament and health. Some men are born old, and some never grow so.

Fables, like parables, are more ancient than formal arguments and are often the most effective means of presenting and impressing both truth and duty.

Right actions for the future are the best apologies for wrong ones in the past – the best evidence of regret for them that we can offer, or the world receive.

Never be so brief as to become obscure.

The great end of education is, to discipline rather than to furnish the mind ; to train it to the use of its own powers, rather than fill it with the accumulation of others.

People never improve unless they look to some standard or example higher and better than themselves.

Between two evils, choose neither; between two goods, choose both.

The first evil choice or act is linked to the second ; and each one to the one that follows, both by the tendency of our evil nature and by the power of habit, which holds us as by a destiny. – As Lessing says, 'Let the devil catch you but by a single hair, and you are his forever.'

Credulity is belief on slight evidence, with no evidence, or or against evidence. In this sense it is the infidel, not the believer, who is credulous. 'The simple,' says Solomon, 'believeth every word.'